Givers

I know that the holidays are not always joyous or easy for everyone, especially for those of us that have lost a loved one recently.  For me, the reality of this loss becomes strikingly more apparent as we gather with friends and family, and the one that has “always been there” no longer is.  Reflecting on what causes this extra portion of grief, I can only come to the conclusion that the “missing” person not only had always “been there in the past,” but they literally and figuratively were always there!  They were there for the times of joy and celebration (like your wedding or the adoption/birth of your children, as well as, the times of trial and pain (from a terrifying diagnosis related to your child or grandchild to just a bad work week).  They were there to provide whatever support you needed from a simple word of encouragement to something equivalent to moving heaven and earth to either get to you or to provide what was needed.  These individuals were truly loved ones as their love was undeniable and it had no boundaries or limits - as they were givers.  Givers of everything!

What I find amazing is that I believe each one of us can identify several people in our lives that are like those I just described.  These individuals don’t suffer from FOMO (a fear of missing out), but rather they genuinely seem to have been imprinted with something that tells them that there is a greater purpose than themselves.  Have you guessed where I am going yet?  Yes, we were all created, and as creations we can’t help but take on the traits and thoughts of our Creator.  So… those “Givers of everything” that are now or have been in your life, are an imperfect reflection of the true Giver of Everything - our Heavenly Father.  God, before the beginning of time, chose to create us despite also knowing that His creation would rebel against His established boundaries and limits. Rather than scrapping the idea of creating us, He displayed great love and chose a plan to Give Everything - including giving his only Son.  The beauty of the gospel is that God is the “Giver of Everything,” including the faith to believe. So as we enter this season of celebrating the incarnation of God’s redemptive plan, let’s remember that He has done everything and rest in that!  

For His Glory,
Jim

P.S. - As the Elder responsible for financial matters at Heartland, let me remind you that any year-end gifts must either be received by December 31st or postmarked prior to that date. Moreover, if you would like to discuss the tax advantages of making a Qualified Charitable Contribution from a tax deferred account or donating an investment to the church please reach out to our Director of Finance Bill Prichard or myself.